Khan, Morkel likely to make Test debuts

Uncapped opening batsman Imraan Khan and one day international all-rounder Albie Morkel, brother of fast bowler Morne, are likely to make their debuts against Australia in the final Test tomorrow. 

Australia has an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series but the newcomers will need to quickly fill in the shoes of the big guns if they have to help their team retain some pride at Newlands. 

Skipper Graeme Smith was ruled out of the side owing to an injury caused by a sharp bouncer from Mitchell Johnson. Veteran Jacques Kallis will take over the reigns of the team in his absence. 

Also making his way back to the squad is Ashwell Prince, who may have to open the innings along with Khan as Neil McKenzie has been dropped from the squad. Another player who is dropped from the squad owing to poor performance is fast bowler Morne Morkel. His shoes will be filled up by older sibling Albie. 

19-year old, Wayne Parnell will give Albie a run for his brother’s spot but the coach, Mickey Arthur, feels the senior Morkel is a better option because of his all-round abilities and his experience in the shorter format of the game. 

"I've got to discuss it with Proccie (selection convenor Mike Procter) first, but in all likelihood Albie will start. It strengthens our tail, gives us a bit more batting depth. But we also have to get 20 wickets so we need to get the balance of our attack right as well,” said Arthur. 

"Albie does swing the ball and he's been knocking at the door for some time." 

Albie has picked up 41 wickets in 35 ODIs with a decent batting average of 24. 

That means Khan will be the only fresh face in the starting South African eleven tomorrow. The 24-year-old southpaw has had a successful first-class season and will be brimming with confidence after his century against the Australian bowlers in the pre-tour practice match. 

Arthur is confident his left-handed openers, Khan and Prince, will help negate the success Mitchell Johnson has been having on this tour. 

"It will be interesting to see how Johnson goes against two left-handers at the top of the order. It might force him to change his tactics.” 

The coach seemed confident about both batsmen even though one (Khan) is making his debut and the other (Prince) is playing his first Test in four months. 

"They (Khan and Prince) are both quality players. Imraan has had a phenomenal season and Ashwell knows exactly what we strive for, he's very excited to be back."